Since the 1950’s, UBC has been the site of groundbreaking discoveries in understanding, diagnosing and treating a number of brain disorders and diseases. It is also home to Canada’s largest integrated research and treatment facility – the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
Today, more than 500 researchers continue to be at the forefront of brain research, pioneering their work around mental health and addictions, dementia, and movement disorders.
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Discoveries
- 2017: Controversial treatment for MS found to be ineffective
- 2017: Link between vitamin A and Alzheimer’s disease
- 2017: Scientists create mouse that resists addiction
- 2016: Antibiotic restores brain cell communication damaged by Alzheimer’s
- 2015: Regular exercise can reduce risk of dementia
- 2012: Gene linked to Parkinson’s disease found
Key Research Groups
- BC Centre on Substance Use
- Brain, Behaviour & Development
- Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
- Dynamic Brain Circuits and Connections in Health and Disease cluster
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program
- Institute of Mental Health
- Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Spotlight
UBC neuroscientist joins investigation of a mysterious new brain disease
Dr. Neil Cashman is among a national team of researchers examining a cluster of cases in New Brunswick.
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Knowing someone with COVID-19 increased men’s anxiety more than women’s
The study is the first to track the association between proximity to COVID-19 and symptoms of anxiety week-by-week and over an extended period of time.
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OCD among new mothers more prevalent than previously thought
The prevalence of OCD among new mothers peaked approximately eight weeks after delivery at nearly nine per cent.
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Survey uncovers pandemic’s complex impact on people living with dementia and their families
The UBC research is already being used to inform services and resources in B.C.
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New study to examine the impact of exercise on aging and brain health
The findings will help advance the development of new interventions to counter the effects of physical inactivity.
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MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with later onset of Parkinson’s disease
A new study by UBC researchers suggests a strong correlation with later onset of the disease.
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A bit of stress might not be so good for us after all
A new study found even mild stress may harm most people’s executive functions.
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New national survey finds Canadians’ mental health eroding as pandemic continues
New data has been released by the Canadian Medical Health Association in partnership with UBC researchers.
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B.C. youth help guide mental health research at UBC
New UBC initiative engages youth with lived experience to help inform mental health and substance use research.
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Empowering young people to live well
Master of Occupational Therapy graduates Natalia Lassak and Emily Brooks develop a new tool to help young adults living with mental health challenges live meaningful lives.
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